My top three priorities are public safety, building an office culture that retains the best attorneys, and strengthening collaboration with justice partners. Public safety requires violent offenders to be held accountable. Smart strategies that address mental health and addiction can benefit public safety. I will require thoughtful charging, stronger case preparation and better trial results, using taxpayer resources wisely. I will restore full participation in Drug Court, DWI Court and Veterans Treatment Court. I will rebuild strong, professional relationships with law enforcement, defense attorneys, probation, social workers, victims’ advocates and the courts because Clay County deserves better.
Nearly 20 years as a Minnesota attorney, combined with almost four years on the bench as a Clay County District Court Judge have prepared me to lead this office. I’ve tried family law and child protection cases, practiced criminal defense and was on the Veterans Treatment Court Team. As a judge, I oversaw every type of case in Clay County, giving me a firsthand understanding of our entire justice system. I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and can bring fresh perspective where change is needed.
The biggest challenges are improving case outcomes, retaining talented attorneys and rebuilding trust with justice partners. It will take strong leadership, clear expectations and accountability. Currently, Clay County is underperforming at trial compared with neighboring counties and dismissing adult criminal cases at much higher rates. I will build a stronger office culture with manageable workloads, mentorship, and professional development to curb turnover and keep good lawyers working here.
I will ensure decisions are based on facts, law and consistent standards. I would use clear charging guidelines, track case outcomes to identify disparities, and make changes when data shows a problem. I would expand appropriate diversion and treatment options, ensure qualified interpreters are available, provide training on bias and cultural awareness, and strengthen partnerships with community organizations. Fairness, transparency and equal access to justice build trust.
I would give attorneys the training, guidance and resources they need to make sound, autonomous decisions while promoting teamwork and collaboration. Employees should be able to respectfully disagree, raise concerns and know they will be heard. I would address conflict directly and fairly, without allowing disagreements to become personal. To earn the public’s trust, I would be transparent and accessible. I will explain decisions when appropriate and hold the office to the highest standards.
Public safety comes first. Clay County deserves an office that is tough but smart, accountable to victims, respectful of due process and committed to justice. Those who use guns to threaten or harm others must face appropriate consequences. I would work with law enforcement to identify dangerous offenders and pursue cases aggressively when evidence supports it. I would strengthen prevention through youth intervention, mental health/addiction services, and strong school & community partnerships.
Three priorities. One commitment: a safer, stronger Clay County.
1. Public Safety. After nearly 30 years as a prosecutor, I’m the only candidate with firsthand experience holding criminals accountable, protecting victims, and working with law enforcement. I’ll fight drugs and fentanyl and keep our communities safe.
2. Fiscal Responsibility. I’m the only candidate with experience leading a county office, managing budgets, and working with the County Board to protect taxpayer dollars.
3. Collaboration. I’ll continue to bring people together including law enforcement, schools, community groups, county departments, and the County Board to solve problems and deliver results.
Safe. Responsible. United.
Nearly 30 years as a prosecutor, including 20 as County Attorney, uniquely prepare me for this role. I am the only candidate with prosecutorial experience, including leading criminal cases, trying 50+ jury trials, managing complex civil matters, overseeing budgets, leading the office, and working with the County Board. I’ve also commanded 800 soldiers as a Minnesota Army National Guard Colonel. I bring proven leadership, judgment, and results.
The Clay County Attorney’s Office faces growing caseloads and increasingly complex crime, including drugs and fentanyl. I’ll prioritize public safety, use resources wisely, strengthen partnerships, and support our dedicated staff. I’m thankful for the experienced prosecutors and staff who have served Clay County for years. Their knowledge provides continuity and a strong foundation for the future. My goal is a fair, effective office that keeps Clay County safe.
Justice must be fair, consistent, and applied equally to everyone. I work for racial equity by treating every person with dignity, examining data for disparities, listening to the communities we serve, and addressing practices that may lead to unequal outcomes. Equal justice means holding people accountable while ensuring everyone has confidence that they will be treated fairly and with respect.
I manage conflict through clear communication, professionalism, and mutual respect. I set clear expectations, listen to concerns, address disagreements directly, and keep our office focused on serving Clay County. I earn the public’s trust by being transparent, accessible, and consistent in applying the law, while holding myself and my office to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
As County Attorney, I work to prevent gun violence by holding those who illegally use or possess firearms accountable, supporting victims, and working with law enforcement and community partners to identify and address individuals who pose a serious risk of violence. I also support prevention efforts that address the underlying causes of violence and help keep firearms out of the hands of those who are legally prohibited from possessing them.
